Ouaddou embraces pressure as Pirates begin trophy hunt

ORLANDO Pirates' new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is relishing the pressure that comes with the expectations of challenging for all the trophies up for grabs this season.

- MIHLALI BALEKA

Ouaddou ushered in a new era at Pirates on Saturday afternoon, following the departure of his predecessor Jose Rivero. And that got off to a flying start as his side beat Polokwane City 2-0 in the MTN8 quarterfinal and reached a fourth successive semifinal in the competition.

It was a crucial win that saw them take a step closer to winning a record-extending fourth Wafa Wafa crown, following three successive triumphs under Riveiro.

Winning cup competitions is expected to be a standard for Ouaddou, after Riveiro's strides, which is why bagging the league is the ultimate target for the Moroccan.

The last time Pirates were crowned the kings of local football was during the 2011/12 season under Augusto Palacios, who was serving on an interim basis.

Ouaddou is not fazed by the expectations that come with knocking Mamelodi Sundowns, who've won the league for the last eight seasons, off their perch, though.